Egypt Temples - Abu Simbel and Philae

  The dramatic seated statues of Ramesses the Great sit by the Nile in Nubia, staring sternly at the passersby. Anyone sailing from Nubia down the Nile knew that this was the territory of the Pharaoh. Nearby, in a second rock cut temple, Ramesses and his beloved Queen Nefertari stride out of the rock face toward the sun. Abu Simbel was built by Ramesses the Great in his middle years and includes statues of his Great Queen Nefertari and some of his chldren. In contrast, the temple at Philae is a traditional temple, beautifully situated on an island in the Nile near Aswan. Philiae dates from Cleopatra's time and includes a temple dedicated to Hathor. The Egyptian temples at Philae and Abu Simbel were rescued from the rising waters of the Nile in the 1960's. Each was situated in the most favorable setting to accentuate its drama and beauty. The 34 views in this screen saver include the nighttime light show at Philae.